Governor Kahiga Issues Bursaries to 180 Students from Vulnerable BackgroundsMakueni County Allocates Ksh. 85 Million in Bursaries for Needy Students

Nyeri – In a significant boost to education in Nyeri County, Governor Mutahi Kahiga led a ceremony on Friday to distribute bursary cheques to 180 students under the Governor’s Full Scholarship program. This initiative represents a substantial effort by the county government to support education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

According to Kenya News Agency, the beneficiaries of the program are students in forms 2, 3, and 4, who have demonstrated academic proficiency by scoring above 350 marks in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE). These students will receive full funding for their secondary school fees for four years, courtesy of the Nyeri County Government. During the event at his office, Governor Kahiga underscored the importance of education as a foundational element for the future and highlighted the program’s alignment with the county’s commitment to making education accessible to all citizens of Nyeri County.

Kahiga also revealed that last year, the county government allocated Sh40 million to the Elimu Bursary Funds, benefiting thousands of needy students. This continued investment in education reflects the administration’s dedication to improving academic performance and enhancing the lives of the youth in Nyeri County. Additionally, the Governor announced plans for the imminent disbursement of the Elimu Fund bursaries, which will aid students from vulnerable homes attending secondary schools, colleges, polytechnics, and special schools.

Emphasizing the importance of discipline and focus on education, Governor Kahiga urged the students to set goals and work diligently towards achieving their dreams as they return to school. The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the Governor, acknowledging the significant impact of the bursaries on their educational journey and committing to hard work and dedication in their studies.

Makueni, Kenya – Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has launched the distribution of bursaries totaling Ksh. 85 million, aimed at supporting needy students in the county. This initiative, announced at Matiliku Market in Makueni constituency, is designed to assist a significant number of students in continuing their education amidst economic challenges.

According to Kenya News Agency, the bursaries will benefit 12,682 students across various educational levels, including secondary schools, colleges, the County Technical and Training Institute, and universities. Speaking on Friday, he emphasized that this effort is part of the county’s commitment to ensuring education accessibility, particularly for students from financially challenged backgrounds. “The government of Makueni county is supporting 100% transition and in an effort to enhance access and retention of students at school, I have released bursary cheques amounting to Ksh. 85 million to 12,682 needy students across the county as the 2024 first term begins,” Mutula stated.

The selection of the beneficiaries was conducted through a thorough vetting process by Ward Bursary Committees, focusing on the vulnerability of the applicants. Governor Mutula highlighted that these bursaries are crucial, especially given the current high cost of living, and urged both the National government and the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF) to offer additional support.

Reiterating his administration’s dedication to education, Governor Mutula encouraged students to value their learning and listen to their teachers. “Listen keenly to your teachers, if you want to become leaders at young age like the Speaker or like me the Governor you must follow instruction from your teachers while learning at school,” he advised during his address to some of the secondary students benefiting from the program.

One of the beneficiaries, Ken Malinda, a 4th-year student at Masai Mara University from Ukia ward, expressed his gratitude for the Ksh 10,000 bursary, acknowledging that it will significantly contribute to his school fees, allowing him to complete his studies. As an orphan, Malinda noted that bursaries, including the NGCDF kitty, have been instrumental in supporting his education journey.

The distribution of funds is structured based on the level of education, with university students receiving Sh 10,000 each, college students Sh 8,000, CTTI students Sh 7,000, while secondary boarders and day scholars will receive Sh 7,000 and 4,000 respectively. Additionally, Governor Mutula announced that 99 needy but academically gifted students will be granted a full scholarship by the Makueni county next week, adding to the over 600 students already supported by the program.